Millburn Boys Tennis Retains Tournament Crown

Three years ago, Millburn High's head tennis coach, Bill Wickenheisser, created the Millburn Challenge, an invitational tournament held early in the season on home courts. On Saturday, his varsity team once again refused to let the champion's trophy leave town. 

This year's visiting teams came from Seton Hall Prep, Chatham High School, and the as-yet-undefeated Bernards High School.

In the first round of the tournament, Millburn defeated Seton Hall Prep, and in the finals played Bernards, which had earlier defeated Chatham.

Against Seton Hall Prep, the Millers notched five wins. First singles Tyler Schick, back from a national USTA tournament in Southern California, quickly dispatched Cesar Munoz, 6-0, 6-0.

Next, Dean Koman double-bageled Chris Cicio, 6-0, 6-0, at second singles, followed quickly by third singles Teddy Moskovitz, who downed Antonio Guarco 6-0, 6-1, to clinch the winning team point.

The fourth Millburn point was scored by Josh Landau and Jon Duan, who defeated Seton Hall's James Cirignano and Matt Gallagher 6-1, 6-1, at second doubles.

Millburn's fifth point came courtesey of Andrew Nolff and Jon Atwater, a sophomore making his 2013 varsity debut. They beat Mike DiFilippo and Arthur Gigon, 6-1, 7-6(3), on the first doubles court.

Round Two: Millburn vs. Bernards

The championship round pit Millburn against Bernards High, who arrived at the tournament with a 9-0 record.

Once again, the Millers' Schick, at first singles, managed a clean 6-0, 6-0 win, this time against Eric Oringer of Bernards. 

Second singles Koman was next off the court, defeating Teddy Apt 6-4, 6-3.  

Moskovitz, at third singles, followed with a 7-5, 6-1, victory over Mountaineer Jon Gillespie, again clinching the win for Millburn.

Nolff and partner Evan Imegwu then finished their match against Kevin Wallace and Dan Wu, winning 6-1, 6-2.

Third doubles Jason Ginsburg and Keith Knopp stepped in to beat Parker Waite and Andrew Wilford, also 6-1, 6-2, scoring Millburn's fifth and team final point.

The consolation round went to Seton Hall Prep, which defeated Chatham High School 4-1. 

The Millers' overall record this season stands at 6-0, with a 5-0 record in the SEC conference, American Division.

The team's next contest is away against Columbia High School on Monday. The Essex County Tournament begins Tuesday at Branch Brook Park. On Wednesday at 4 p.m. the Millers play a conference match against Newark Academy in Livingston.